HEATHROW NIGHTS

In trouble at school again, Russell sneaks to London to avoid punishment. He masquerades as a traveler at Heathrow Airport for five days and four nights. He passes the time by reflecting on his father's unexpected death, his mother's remarriage, and his identification with Shakespeare's Hamlet. The incredible mental journey Russ takes ultimately leads to a constructive confrontation with his own Claudius. Jonathan Firth uplifts this exquisitely layered novel with superb narration. He deftly shifts from Russell's external interactions to his innermost musings on the changes in his life. Firth makes all the characters unique, believable, and especially with Russell's voice, heartbreaking and engaging. J.M.P. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]